Summer Camp Ready!!

Earlier this week, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana hosted the Louisiana All-Staff Conference in Ruston.

This two-day event taught our Youth Development Professionals how to design, facilitate and create a safe environment where they can develop positive relationships with the youth we serve.

“What we do is important everyday,” said Eldonta Osborne, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana. “We can always learn. When you walk through those blue doors, you need to remember this is the day I can change a kid’s life.”

The All-Staff Conference had staff from our North Louisiana Organization, as well as New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Acadiana. Baton Rouge Area Director Bobby Jones grew up as a Club kid and understands the importance of building strong and trusting relationships with the members you serve.

“One of my mentors is now the godfather to my children,” Bobby said. Staff from across the state bonded over the same goal to build safe spaces for our youth to thrive. By providing a safe-haven, with caring mentors, and life-enhancing programs, Club members have the resources and skills needed to plan for great futures.

“I serve to make an impact as a mentor so that the kids don’t feel alone,” said Kiauna Rollins, who was also a Club Kid and now works at our Evergreen Unit in West Monroe. “I want to be that voice of reason for them.”

The training concluded on Tuesday afternoon, just in time for staff members to return to their respective clubs and prepare for Summer Day Camp, which starts on June 5!